Taking on Community Health

Southern hospitality is one of the many things we’re known for in North Carolina. So, it makes sense that communities throughout the state are coming together to help people living with disabilities live healthier lives. In fact, not long ago, I was watching TV and saw a segment highlighting a Winston-Salem town meeting on how to get better care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

It hit home for me. My dad and I both live with developmental disabilities, and there was a time when he wasn’t able to be the father I needed. We lived in a group home, and weren’t receiving the proper care to help us overcome our challenges. It was really tough, but looking back now, I feel like without those experiences we wouldn’t be the strong-willed men we are today.

We realized we needed help; we didn’t want to live in a constant state of depression and frustration because we weren’t receiving the right treatment for our developmental disabilities. My aunt was the first to step in and offer assistance. And, with our Medicaid benefits, we also joined forces with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare and our care coordinator, Stephanie.

My dad and I enrolled in Cardinal Innovations’ Intellectual Disability and Developmental Disability Continuum of Care. This program taught us how to better care for ourselves and become more active community members by participating in various civic programs. In turn, having the community’s support has helped us stay healthier and out of the hospital. We were hesitant at first, but today I count my blessings that we have the opportunity to continue improving our social skills.

Active communities that invest in the health and well-being of all citizens are so important to helping people like my dad and I live thriving, purposeful lives. I’m proud to be a member of Cardinal Innovations and I’m thankful for the people there who care about me. It brings on a whole new perspective of the term "community health," where it’s really all about people coming together in support for one another.

Happy Father's Day!